Costa Rica

A Self-Drive Itinerary

Manuel Antonio National Park and Hotel la Mariposa, on Patricia Schultz' list of "1000 Places to See Before You Die", do not disappoint as this is perhaps the finest view of the Pacific Ocean anywhere, one that inspired one of our customers to exclaim that she thought she was in heaven upon walking to the edge of her balcony. With a gourmet restaurant that is one of the best in the area, and swim up bar on the edge of infinity, this is a place you won't want to leave.

Costa Rica's favorite National Park, Manuel Antonio, and one of her smallest, the rain forest here fairly brims over nonetheless with a riot of flora and fauna that makes Costa Rica famous throughout the world as an ecological wonderland, and a host of activities on the water and in the jungle that will leave you wanting for more.

Arenal National Park is the quintessential image of volcano scenery with the gorgeous Hotel Los Lagos set as the backdrop to this breathtaking collage. Erupting regularly with lava flows visible high and away (at a very safe distance) on the flanks throughout the region, Arenal provides one of the most spectacular vistas of the Western Hemisphere.

You'll only need to leave your comfortable and laid back mountain home in Paradise if you want to, as Hotel Los Lagos is full of so many fun things to do on property, from Canopy Tours and Horseback riding, to Hot Springs pools with mind-bending water slides, and long lonely hikes up to the Volcano Observation Point, an overlook with a beautiful mountain lake to complement the view.

Daily Itinerary:

Day 1: Fly from Miami or Ft Lauderdale to Juan Santamaria Airport

Take a relaxing swim in the hotel pool, and enjoy the swim-up bar, or take a pleasant stroll around the hotel gardens.

Day 2:

You'll have plenty of time to enjoy many activities on the property, such as the Hot Springs, the Arenal Volcano Overlook Hiking Trails, the Frog Farm, the Butterfly Farm, or the Crocodile Farm.
You may also enjoy the Zip Line Canopy Tour and Horseback Riding (on property), or whitewater rafting tours, ATV excursions, or the Rainforest Hanging Bridges, which are all optional excursions for a fee off property

Meals: Daily BreakfastOvernight (2 nights): Arenal Hotel Los Lagos

Day 3-5:

After Breakfast, drive to Manuel Antonio National Park and Hotel la Mariposa.

You'll have a choice of several optional excursions, such as kayaking in the Isla Damas estuary, ocean kayaking in the Pacific, whitewater rafting in the deep rainforest on the Rio Savegre, or sunset dinner cruises.

Meals: Daily Breakfast
Overnight (3 nights): Hotel la Mariposa

Day 6: End of Tour

After breakfast, drive to San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) for your Return flight to USA

Meals: Breakfast

Included

2 nights lodging, Hotel Los Lagos (Standard room), 2 per room

3 nights lodging, Hotel la Mariposa (Garden View room), 2 per room

Daily Breakfast

Frog Farm

Crocodile Farm

Butterfly Garden

Hiking

Welcome Beverage

Free daily shuttle to beach in Manuel Antonio

Rental car (Economy) for two people, manual transmission (automatic available for small additional fee)

Hotel taxes

Rental car taxes

Air taxes

Not Included

Gratuities for service staff

Any expenses of a personal nature like alcoholic beverages, mini bar in rooms, laundry and telephone bills etc. and anything not specifically mentioned as "included"

Meals where not included

Beverages where not included

Entrance fees and extras where not included

Optional excursions

Travel insurance

Rental car insurance

Changes:

We reserve the right to alter the itinerary details, published times, and accommodations due to weather, local conditions, organization necessity or safety concerns.